Name for the Item: "Inkosi Ekhanyayo: Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust" (translates to "Enlightened Chief: Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust" in Zulu)
Immerse yourself in the regal heritage of Southern East, South Africa with our magnificent Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust, a testament to the noble lineage and leadership of the Zulu people. Crafted with exquisite detail and reverence, this sculpture captures the essence of strength and dignity embodied by Zulu chiefs throughout history.
The Zulu, a significant clan in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, trace their origins to Zulu kaMalandela, who founded the clan circa 1709. Inhabiting a region teeming with diverse Nguni groups and clans, known as the isizwe people, the Zulu emerged as stalwart leaders amidst the sweeping currents of the Bantu migrations.
Rooted in the esteemed tradition of Shona sculpture, our Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust pays homage to a heritage that spans centuries. The Shona sculptural movement, originating in the eleventh century, experienced a revival in the mid-twentieth century, thanks to the visionary efforts of figures like Frank McEwen. Butter jade, cherished for its rarity and unique markings formed over millions of years, adds a touch of prestige to this sculpture. Its distinctive darker streaks, crafted by layers of fossilized algae, imbue each piece with a sense of history and reverence.
Enrich your surroundings with the presence of the "Regal Reverence" Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust. This sculpture not only honors the enduring legacy of Zulu leadership but also celebrates the artistic mastery of the Shona tradition, bridging the past and present with every stroke of the chisel.
Inkosi Ekhanyayo: Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust
Aquired by A motiram: Early 1990's
(Mpumalanga, Republic of South Africa).
Commissioned by Lidwala African Art Gallery to Joes African Art & Collectables
Revised as Rana & Rana African Art.
Founding member Joe’s African Art & Collectibles
E R Amarathlal(Curator, African Art Centre Foundation 1995 to 2005)
Rana Brothers 2018 – date